The Detroit Lions have not followed through on placing priority on the No. 2 quarterback spot, leaving them tabbed with an uninspiring remaining fit.
After last season, coming off Jared Goff barely missing a snap all season, here’s what Detroit Lions general manager Brad Holmes said about the No. 2 quarterback spot on the roster (h/t to SI.com).
"Going into this past year, yeah, we went down to the umpteenth hour trying to figure out what we were gonna do at number two,”“I’ve let it be known internally that we’re not gonna be in that position again heading into this year, so we have to get that settle…But, I am gonna make it a point of emphasis and make sure that, being that we’re finally in a position to address that quarterback room behind Jared, we have been in that position in the past. But, we’re gonna make that a point of emphasis this year.”"
Even with acknowledgement of a notable run through free agency, and with a nod to perhaps drafting a quarterback or eventually signing another veteran, to this point the Lions have simply re-signed Nate Sudfeld.
So much for priority being placed on the quarterback room behind Goff, huh? As it sits right now, a promising 2023 season for the Lions will go off the rails if Goff misses any games.
Not signing a credible backup quarterback yet leaves Detroit Lions with uninspiring remaining fit
There are some veteran backup quarterback options left out there, and in certain ways many could be a nice fit for the Lions.
Justin Melo of The Draft Network has a list of three team fits for a former first-round pick who is still available.
The Lions are of course one fit tabbed….for Teddy Bridgewater.
"The Lions are expected to compete for the NFC North division title in 2023. Head coach Dan Campbell has built the culture up and will now receive an opportunity to coach a more talented roster. Detroit’s hopes to contend require a better backup plan behind starter Jared Goff. Veteran journeyman Nate Sudfeld isn’t the answer.Furthermore, Campbell was in New Orleans alongside Bridgewater as the Saints’ assistant head coach for two seasons (2018-19). Bridgewater started six games across those two campaigns, compiling an impressive record of 5-1 as a starter. Campbell is awfully familiar with Bridgewater’s professionalism and ability to get a franchise through an injury at quarterback."
My dislike for Bridgewater’s skill set as a quarterback is well-documented by now. And it goes back to before his career-altering knee injury in 2016. Those that love him love to lean into his intangibles, with little mention of his actual talent level. He has become the journeyman it was easy to see he’d become, headed for his fourth team in four seasons whenever he signs.
The fact former Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer loved Bridgewater so much is a mark against Bridgewater at this point.
The No. 2 quarterback spot behind Goff fell by the wayside for the Lions in free agency as bigger, albeit necessary, moves were made. But it has left them with a dismal, uninspiring potential fit to fill the spot.
In some way, that the Lions haven’t signed Bridgewater speaks volumes.